LIVE FROM MEMPHIS

THE SIVADS OF MARCH March 25-28

A four-day tribute through art, film, music and words to the late Watson Davis, the innovative Malco ad man and ballyhoo specialist known for his elaborate movie promotions and who, in his guise as the ‘horror host’ known as Sivad (on the “Fantastic Features” program from 1962 to 1972 on WHBQ-TV Channel 13), was one of the most influential and beloved Memphis pop-culture heroes of the era, with a popularity that crossed generational and racial lines.

NOTE: Davis, 92, passed away on March 23, 2005 so the “Sivads of March” is timed to be a respectful memorial tribute, marking the five year anniversary of his death, as well as a celebration in the fun spirit of Davis’ work. We hope to have both mayors declare one day the week of Marh 25th as “Watson Davis/Sivad Day.”


DAY 1

Thursday, March 25: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

$8 admission fee buys you entry into the Meet and Greet and a free copy of our SIVADS OF MARCH souvenir program book, a beautifully designed 80 page (!) Memphis cinema and television history volume edited by Mike McCarthy and John Beifuss with layout by Adam Woodard. The book as well as silk screen posters and cool t-shirts will be available throughout the four day event, however, the souvenir book is only free on Thursday night with your $8 admission fee.


Monster Martini Meet & Greet  6–7:30 pm

Get your "Monster Martini" (an eyeball floating in a delicious martini!) at the cash bar in the Brushmark Restaurant.
For many, this event will be a WHBQ-TV reunion party with many special guests joining in from the Malco Theatre. All to celebrate the memory of W. Watson Davis. Awards will be handed out by the Sivad Squad and winners escorted by the lovely Memphis Belles playing The Brides of Sivad!

Sivad Awards presented to... 7:30 pm

Malco Theatres will present the Watson Davis family with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
WHBQ-TV will present station photographer Jim Shackelford with a Special Photography Award.
The Sivad Squad will present Mike Curtis a special Sivad in the horror host category. Mike was Count Basil on Jackson, Tennessee's Channel 6 in the seventies.
Several videos on Watson and Sivad will be shown. A special interview segment with Dick Lightman, Doyle Childress, Elton Holland and others will be featured.
We are very excited to announce that Watson's Sivad costume, his make-up kit, his custom-made musical instruments, and lost films will also be on exhibit at the Brooks Museum of Art. (on loan from the Beverly Ideker collection.)

Fantastic Feature: 8 pm

NIGHT OF THE DEMON (uncut)


DAY 2

Friday, March 26: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: $5

Fantastic Feature: 3 pm

A BUCKET OF BLOOD

and then over across town...

"Love & Curses" Art Show 7 pm FREE

Original works created by area painters, illustrators and photographers in homage to Davis and his vampiric alter ego.

Adam Shaw Gallery,
2547 Broad Avenue


DAY 3

Saturday, March 27: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: $5

Fantastic Feature: 12 pm

I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF


L'IL FILM FEST: "Beware the Sivads of March" (a shorts film festival with a Sivad theme!) 2 pm

Reigning Sound with opening band The Nehilistics. 10 pm $10

The Brides of Sivad are slated to dance onstage.

NOCTURNAL CLUB
1588 Madison Avenue

Count Basil will present Greg Cartwright of the Reigning Sound with a Sivad Award "Best Use of Sivad In A Rock n' Roll Category". The Reigning Sound's latest record is called "Love & Curses" (Sivads motto).

For you late owls, rumors are beginning to surface about a possible after-party at the Hi-Tone after 1 pm where I hear that the Tennessee Tearjerkers are going to play. Stay tuned...


DAY 4

Sunday, March 28: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: $5

"Friends of Sivad" Panel. 1 pm

You are invited to listen in and ask questions as old friends and colleagues share stories about Sivad and the glory days of WHBQ-TV and Malco Cinema.

Our Fantastic (double) Feature...

FROM HELL IT CAME 2 pm

THE GIANT CLAW 3:30 pm

(both movies are kid-friendly!)

... and a good evening to you all!